In a market near all-time highs, chemical stocks look like a potential source of value. Shares of top chemical companies still look reasonably cheap, with many priced at a mid-teen -- or lower -- multiples to earnings and free cash flow.That said, there are some reasons why the sector appears cheap. Chemical stocks are notoriously cyclical, even those of the top chemical companies. That goes double for specialty manufacturers with narrow portfolios and/or those exposed to input costs of volatile commodities (among them oil). Earnings in the industry often don't grow in a straight line. Rather, some sort of choppiness is the norm, which dissuades some investors from entering the space at all. * 6 Chinese Stocks That Could Pop On a Trade Deal But there are some attractive stocks to buy in the space. The U.S. economy is strong, with no sign of imminent slowdown.Commodity costs are reasonably stable. And -- again -- valuations are cheap. Here are five chemical stocks to buy that look particularly intriguing, though not always for the same reasons.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Chemical Stocks to Buy: DowDuPont (DWDP)Source: Shutterstock DowDuPont (NYSE:DWDP) is one of the top chemical companies in the world. In fact, it's the global leader in sales. And yet DWDP stock doesn't appear to be getting much respect at the moment.DWDP trades at just 14.5x forward earnings, and there is value to be unlocked from the merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont. DWDP is spinning off three companies, leaving a specialty products business to be renamed DuPont.It's possible, if not likely, that the uncertainty around those decisions is holding down the DWDP share price. But the smart money seems to see quite a bit of value in the stock. The average Wall Street target price of $44 suggests about 43% upside, and 46%, including a 3%+ dividend yield, making it a good stock to buy. Chemical Stocks to Buy: Albemarle (ALB)Source: fdecomite via Flickr (Modified)The case for Albemarle (NYSE:ALB) is pretty simple. The world's biggest lithium producer presents a derivative play on the growth of electric vehicles like those produced by Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), as Larry Ramer argued earlier this year. Lithium is a key input for EV batteries, and Albemarle should benefit from increasing demand going forward.That case actually has been a negative so far in the past year. ALB stock is down by a third over the last 52 weeks. Analysts have expressed some concerns about potential oversupply, and rival Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM) has said it will take Albemarle's No. 1 market share position within four years.Still, the selloff appears overdone. Like DWDP, analysts see big upside at ALB, with the consensus target implying nearly 50% gains. ALB's lithium business is growing in the near term, and it should have years of similar growth ahead, even if SQM does take share. * 6 Chinese Stocks That Could Pop On a Trade Deal Also consider that a forward price-to-earnings ratio of ten suggests its valuation is reasonable at worst, and so does an aggressive $500 million share repurchase program implemented last year. With TSLA stock struggling, Albemarle looks like a more reasonable, and potentially more attractive, play on the growth of electric vehicles, making it an attractive stock to buy. Chemical Stocks to Buy: W.R. Grace (GRA)Source: Shutterstock W.R. Grace (NYSE:GRA) has basically stalled out for the past few years. The company's spin-off and combination with Sealed Air (NYSE:SEE) hasn't helped the stock. Nor has solid growth, and a steady drumbeat of strong earnings reports (Grace has beat consensus on the top- and bottom-lines for seven straight quarters).At this point, though, that's not necessarily a bad thing. GRA always looked like one of the top chemical companies, but with a stock that traded at a questionable price … that's no longer the case. The forward P/E multiple has dropped below 15x, mostly in line with the sector.The company's exposure to gasoline, through its FCC (fluid catalytic cracking) business, does raise a risk, particularly for investors betting on exponential growth in electric vehicles. But GRA is well-managed, cheap and as I wrote in July 2018, an oft-cited takeover target. The past few years have been disappointing for GRA shareholders, but the next few might be much better. Chemical Stocks to Buy: H.B. Fuller (FUL)Source: Shutterstock H.B. Fuller (NYSE:FUL) already has had a nice run. Shares have risen about 30% from 2015 lows. But there's reason to see more upside ahead.Fuller is one of the leaders in the global adhesives market, competing with 3M and Germany's Henkel (OTCMKTS:HENKY), along with a myriad of smaller producers. Its 2017 acquisition of Royal Adhesives added to its scale and market share, while also boosting profits by nearly 50%.Management has set aggressive growth targets for 2020, backed by acquisition synergies, cost-cutting and a shift-toward higher-growth, value-added products. If Fuller can get to those targets -- or close -- there's easily double-digit annual returns on the way. * 6 Chinese Stocks That Could Pop On a Trade Deal Longer-term, the adhesives business is an attractive one. It's less cyclical than many other chemical end markets, and one where Fuller can continue to build and acquire market share to drive growth. At ~11x EBITDA and ~17x earnings, not all of Fuller's potential looks priced in. Chemical Stocks to Buy: Tronox (TROX)Source: Shutterstock Tronox (NYSE:TROX) is a stock only for investors with high tolerance for risk, as proven by the stock's multi-year chart. TROX traded above $35 in 2012; it was below $5 at the beginning of 2016. From there, the stock ran to $27, and now it trades below $11.A key reason is the company's reliance on titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigment, used in paints, plastics and other applications. TiO2 prices are notoriously volatile, which leads to swings in TROX earnings. Add on a reasonable amount of debt, steady M&A activity (including the sale of a business last year and the pending acquisition of another at the moment) and mining activity, and the volatility in TROX stock makes some sense.But it may also provide an opportunity. TROX trades at just five times next year's earnings-per-share estimates (though investors can't count 100% on the accuracy of any projections in such a fluid market).Again, this is not a stock for the faint of heart. It's a high-risk, high-reward play. But at a cheaper price, and with more certainty coming at some point in the next twelve months, there is a path for TROX stock to rebound nicely.As of this writing, Vince Martin did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 7 Stocks to Buy that Lost 10% Last Week * Top 7 Dow Jones Stocks of 2019 -- So Far * 5 Service Stocks That Can Win the Trade War -- According to Goldman Sachs Compare Brokers The post 5 Top Chemical Stocks to Buy appeared first on InvestorPlace.

The Senate's Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on the American Mineral Security Act, which would help streamline regulation and permitting requirements for the development of mines for lithium, graphite and other EV minerals. The pending legislation would require a tally of metal reserves in the United States and seek to streamline permitting for the EV sector, an area where China already leads by a wide margin. The bipartisan legislation, which seeks in part to codify a late 2017 executive order on U.S. mineral development by President Donald Trump, was sponsored by U.S. senators Lisa Murkowski, Joe Manchin and others.

Livent Corp said on Friday that two senior executives were leaving to pursue other opportunities, coming just days after the lithium producer cut its 2019 forecast and warned that demand was slipping for a version of the white metal it produces. Philadelphia-based Livent said Chief Growth Officer Thomas Schneberger would leave at the end of the month and that Rasmus Gerdeman, head of strategy and investor relations, has already left. Livent has focused its business on one specific type of the white metal, hydroxide, which has seen weak demand in recent months due in part to uncertainty around China's electric vehicle subsidies.

Albemarle Corp. (ALB) , the second-largest holding in the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) , is looking to increase lithium output in Chile. LIT, which is nearly nine years old, tracks the Solactive Global Lithium Index. One of the oldest thematic ETFs, LIT is designed to provide exposure to “the full lithium cycle, from mining and refining the metal, through battery production,” according to Global X.

Albemarle Corp said on Thursday it is moving forward on a project it claims will boost its Chilean lithium production by 30 percent without extracting more brine from the environmentally sensitive Salar de Atacama, the world's driest desert. Chief Executive Luke Kissam said on Thursday the company has successfully tested the process in a laboratory and in field tests, has ordered equipment and plans to start construction during the second quarter. Lithium output is closely watched by Chile, despite the $100 million in royalties the country collects annually from Albemarle, due to concerns about Atacama water and brine levels.

Albemarle Corp said on Thursday it is moving forward on a project to boost Chilean lithium production by 30 percent without using more brine from the environmentally sensitive Salar de Atacama, the world's ...

Albemarle Corp, the world's largest producer of lithium used to make electric vehicle batteries, posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Wednesday as surging sales of flame retardant chemicals offset a dip in lithium sales. The weakness in its lithium unit, which executives have repeatedly labeled as the company's future, was largely due to torrential January rains at the company's mines in Chile, which rely on evaporation ponds to produce the white metal. The effects from the rain - lithium sales fell 2 percent during the quarter - had been expected, but still comes as anxiety grows about short-term demand for the metal.

On a per-share basis, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company said it had profit of $1.26. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, came to $1.23 per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations. ...

Albemarle Corp, the world's largest producer of lithium used to make electric vehicle batteries, posted a slight rise in quarterly profit on Wednesday as sales of flame retardant chemicals offset a dip ...

Albemarle (NYSE: ALB ) unveils its next round of earnings this Wednesday, May 8. Here is Benzinga's everything-that-matters guide for the earnings announcement. Earnings and Revenue Based on management's ...

Albemarle Corp NYSE:ALBView full report here! Summary * ETFs holding this stock are seeing positive inflows but are weakening * Bearish sentiment is high and has been increasing * Economic output in this company's sector is contracting Bearish sentimentShort interest | NegativeShort interest is high for ALB with between 15 and 20% of shares on loan. This means that investors who seek to profit from falling equity prices are currently targeting ALB. Sentiment has worsened and traders added to their bearish short positions on May 2. Money flowETF/Index ownership | NegativeETF activity is negative and may be weakening. The net inflows of $1.53 billion over the last one-month into ETFs that hold ALB are among the lowest of the last year and appear to be slowing. Economic sentimentPMI by IHS Markit | NegativeAccording to the latest IHS Markit Purchasing Managersâ€™ Index (PMI) data, output in the Basic Materialsis falling. The rate of decline is significant relative to the trend shown over the past year. Credit worthinessCredit default swapCDS data is not available for this security.Please send all inquiries related to the report to score@ihsmarkit.com.Charts and report PDFs will only be available for 30 days after publishing.This document has been produced for information purposes only and is not to be relied upon or as construed as investment advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, IHS Markit disclaims any responsibility or liability, whether in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence), equity or otherwise, for any loss or damage arising from any reliance on or the use of this material in any way. Please view the full legal disclaimer and methodology information on pages 2-3 of the full report.

Editor's note: This story was previously published in January 2019 and has since been updated and republished.No matter how innovative or utilitarian a new platform may be, all modern technologies require a catalyst to operate. For most devices, this requirement translates into a lithium-based power source. Nowadays, almost everything we use runs on the silver-white metal. Logically, the idea of buying lithium stocks is a frequently made suggestion.However, the markets sometimes deploy their own logic, which seemingly runs counter to the fundamentals. For instance, industry demand for lithium remains robust, and is likely to increase as electronics manufacturers pump out smart devices. Yet the benchmark exchange-traded fund Global X Lithium ETF (NYSEARCA:LIT) is down more than 18% over the past year.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsWhy the disconnect between lithium stocks and underlying industry demand? Mostly, experts in the field forecasted an overabundance of supply due to mining companies ramping-up production. Additionally, last year Morgan Stanley analysts predicted a massive drop in the commodity's price over the next few years that could outpace even tremendous demand from electric vehicle companies. * 7 Energy Stocks to Buy to Light Up Your Portfolio The bearish prognostications occurred in the first two months of this year. Unfortunately, lithium and lithium-based battery stocks have largely failed to recover from the sentiment fallout. Recently, though they have begun their slow return, adding a little more than 1% so far this year.Granted, the extreme negativity makes this sector incredibly risky. But I also want to remind readers that forecasts are ultimately opinions. They may be well-crafted or well-analyzed opinions, but they're still non-factual expectations of future events.I choose to rely more heavily on actual data. The abundance of evidence demonstrates that lithium demand is increasing in virtually every corner of the broad, technological spectrum. Perhaps mining production could outpace demand. But for now, lithium continues to be among the most highly requested industrial commodities.Here are my ten picks for lithium stocks to take advantage of the market's irrationality.Source: Shutterstock Albemarle (ALB)Several of the lithium stocks that analysts commonly discuss are admittedly speculative affairs. As a result, the downturn in the lithium market has severely and disproportionately impacted the industry's direct competitors. But for a solid, renowned organization like Albemarle (NYSE:ALB), the selloff presents a viable contrarian opportunity.I'm not going to beat around the bush: ALB stock has taken a massive beating, even compared to the lithium industry's bloodbath. Over the past year, shares have lost nearly 23% in the markets.That said, I'm encouraged with some positives in the company's financials. After absorbing a disappointing dip in revenues in 2016, Albemarle bounced back the following year. The growth continued in 2018 with revenues growing from $3.07 billion to $3.37 billion. Should the Albemarle FY2019 Q1 report disappoint, the company will still remain on the upswing.As industry demand is only going to get stronger, Albemarle's present weakness is a great entry point.Source: Shutterstock Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM)For its sheer dominance in the sector, no discussion about lithium stocks is complete without mentioning Sociedad Quimica y Minera (NYSE:SQM). SQM is based in Chile, which according to CNBC enjoys the world's largest lithium reserves. In fact, CNBC was quite emphatic about this point, noting that no other nation comes close to Chile's 7.5 million metric tons of the hotly demanded metal.Unfortunately, as with many other lithium stocks, SQM suffers from a divergence between fundamental bullishness and technical trading. Over the past year, shares are down 32%. At the same time, the worst of the bearishness appears to have subsided. Since the beginning of 2019, SQM is down 5.7%. * 7 Stocks to Buy That Ought to Buy Back Shares One risk factor to watch out for is sales growth. In its last earnings report in Q4, the mining company delivered $565 million, which was$10 million down from the year-ago quarter. Obviously, Wall Street will want to see significant improvement in 2019 (SQM reports May 22).That said, SQM's position as a lithium production leader should bode well for the future, if you're willing to be patient.Source: Tesla Tesla (TSLA)If you've followed market news over the past few months, you're well aware that sentiment toward Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) was poor. Primarily, questions about the company's cash burn, and its history of making big promises but failing to deliver took a heavy toll on the investment community. Plus, CEO Elon Musk's strange and rude behavior didn't do any favors for TSLA stock.Recently, though, the company announced it would raise capital sending it into another period of volatility. It's one that the company will come through, though. Plus with prices off a little more than 15% so far this year, Tesla is getting even more attractive.I don't want to speak too early, but for me, Tesla is finally back on track, even if the markets don't see it yet.Source: Shutterstock Panasonic (PCRFY)Speaking strictly from a product fanbase perspective, few companies generate as much buzz as the aforementioned Tesla. I've repeatedly called Elon Musk eccentric, but that same eccentricity inspires him to create aesthetically and technologically stunning cars. However, many folks might not appreciate just how important of a role Panasonic (OTCMKTS:PCRFY) plays in Tesla's success.When most people hear the name Panasonic, they immediately think about consumer-electronic devices. While that's very much part of their business and legacy, the company is also shifting heavily toward lithium-based technologies. Panasonic and Tesla developed a strong, if somewhat under-appreciated partnership. Notably, Panasonic manufactures Tesla vehicles' lithium-ion batteries at Tesla's vaunted Gigafactory. * 7 A-Rated Stocks That Are Under $10 More importantly, all signs point to the two companies continuing their relationship into other business ventures. Call it a corporate "bromance" that looks to be a viable opportunity for long-term gains. This idea gets more credibility considering that PCRFY has suffered the same fate as other lithium and battery stocks. PCRFY is down roughly 36% since the year-ago period.But especially once things shake out for Tesla, I believe Panasonic will latch on for the ride up.Source: Shutterstock FMC (FMC)As one of the leading lithium and battery stocks in the markets, FMC (NYSE:FMC) is a must-watch name if you're interested in this sector. But admittedly, the past year hasn't panned out too well for the company; FMC shares were pretty much flat year-over-year after taking a 12% nosedive at the end of 2018.But the overall poor sentiment in 2018 could change very quickly in 2019. The company beat EPS consensus in Q4 and things look good as FMC gets ready to report its Q1 2019 earnings.Management stated that the primary catalyst for the profitability boost was its 2017 buyout of DowDuPont's (NYSE:DWDP) agricultural assets. But also noteworthy were lithium sales, which have witnessed a resurgence.Source: Shutterstock Power Metals (PWRMF)Contrary to what some may believe, not all lithium-mining processes are the same. Currently, the two most popular methods are lithium brines and lithium-cesium tantalum pegmatites, or more commonly referred to as "hard rock."Lithium brines represent the most popular method, but the drawback is that the process is vulnerable to weather-related issues. Given that industry demand for the metal is constantly rising, unfavorable weather could severely impact production. To get around this issue, lithium miners are exploring hard rock, which is essentially weather-independent. * 7 Companies Apple Should Consider Buying One mining company that's putting the hard-rock concept to the test is Power Metals (OTCMKTS:PWRMF). With several projects spread around resource-rich Canada, Power Metals aims to be a significant provider of lithium. Plus, the company's geographically-stable region is a big positive for PWRMF stock.That's the good news. The not-so-great news is that PWRMF is a genuine, over-the-counter penny stock. Shares are down 80% over the past year, which tells you all you need to know. Still, if you're looking for a potentially explosive contrarian play among lithium and battery stocks, Power Metals is it. Just bet carefully and responsibly.Source: Shutterstock Lithium Americas (LAC)Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC) is a direct but completely speculative gamble on the underlying sector's growth potential. While LAC earned itself a healthy does of street cred with its joint venture with Sociedad Quimica y Minera, the company has no production assets.That's not necessarily a deal-breaker as it has legitimate plans to attain those assets. Still, you're taking a risk that management will follow through.And while the markets have not been kind to lithium stocks, LAC has taken the brunt of the damage. Year-over-year, shares have tanked 30%. Clearly, this is not an investment for the faint of heart!Having said that, I believe that analysts' consensus bearishness toward the lithium industry is overplayed. Yes, commodity prices fluctuate year-to-year for various reasons. However, demand for lithium is broadly trending higher.It's not just electric vehicles and other physically imposing technologies that require lithium. Consider that the burgeoning e-cigarette or vaporizer market requires a healthy lithium supply chain to keep running.So long as the drive for innovation exists, so too will lithium demand. This adds some measure of confidence to the otherwise speculative LAC stock.Source: Shutterstock Galaxy Resources (GALXF)Most direct plays in the lithium sector invariably involve mining stocks. Even in the best circumstances, commodity miners aren't known for their stability and reliability. That said, one of the better ways to help mitigate this risk is to seek companies with diversified portfolios. Galaxy Resources (OTCMKTS:GALXF) is one such example.Galaxy's primary claim to fame is its Sal de Vida project, located in northwest Argentina. Situated in what industry experts term the "lithium triangle", the area produces more than 60% of global annual lithium supply. Beyond that, GALXF has projects in its native Australia, as well as Canada. Both regions are geopolitically stable, eliminating a major headache for investors. * 7 Dark Horse Stocks You Really Need to Look at for 2019 Regarding risk factors, you should note that GALXF is essentially a penny stock with a share price just over $1. Furthermore, its performance reflects the volatility associated with cheap equities, as GALXF has plummeted from a $3.39 share price in the markets over the past 18 months.If you're willing to take the chance, bearishness in GALXF has slowed significantly. As a high-risk, high-reward gamble on the lithium industry, Galaxy Resources is an intriguing idea.Source: Shutterstock Toshiba (TOSBF)Similar to Panasonic, Toshiba (OTCMKTS:TOSBF) is primarily known for its electronic devices, particularly its laptop computers. While their primary businesses are unlikely to change, Toshiba is shifting resources heavily toward lithium technologies. They have already achieved substantial success with high-power, quick-recharging batteries, with more innovations in the pipeline.And while TOSBF is a legitimate play on lithium-based battery stocks, its multi-varied product portfolio affords it volatility protection. Shares are up roughly 18% YTD, which is a rarity in this sector right now.The other advantage for Toshiba is that the company has suffered from prior missteps. Having got the ugliness out of the way, the company is on a recovery path.As such, TOSBF offers meaningful exposure to lithium while effectively acting as a hedge.Source: Shutterstock Fujitsu (FJTSY)Japanese tech firm Fujitsu (OTCMKTS:FJTSY) is one of the most respected names in computers and consumer electronics. However, some of their best innovations recently have focused on lithium batteries. For instance, last year, Fujitsu developed a high-voltage lithium battery that doesn't require cobalt materials, which have certain structural disadvantages.Going along with the trends witnessed in other lithium and battery stocks, FJTSY is currently enduring a poor year. Shares are basically flat YTD. That said, FJTSY appears to have hit a bottom last year. This year it already is up nearly 20 percent and going strong. * 7 Cloud Stocks to Buy Now One of the biggest risk factors for Fujitsu is that it's a Japanese company; like its peers, you must have some faith in Japan's economic recovery plan. However, some tangible positives exist, including steadily rising revenues and a fairly solid balance sheet.As of this writing, Josh Enomoto is long TOSBF. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Companies Apple Should Consider Buying * 7 Beaten-Up Housing Stocks Due for a Bounce Back * Take Buffett's Advice: 5 Vanguard Funds to Buy Compare Brokers The post 10 Lithium Stocks to Buy Despite the Market's Irrationality appeared first on InvestorPlace.